Top 5 Beach Homes Worth Going Broke For

Much of the country was pummeled by winter storm Nemo this weekend - all the more reason to think about the beach and losing that winter parka for swim trunks and a piña colada.

While a beachfront hotel room for a few nights may be all that most of us can afford, a handful of spectacular properties have hit the market over the past year that will make you the envy of all of your sun-loving friends (if you fall into the 1 percent, that is.)

From the Florida gulf coast to the far reaches of Hawaii, EDGE offers you our top five beach homes - just be sure to invite us to your housewarming party.

Dana Point, CA

Dana Point is halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Views of the Catalina islands can also be enjoyed from the deck or beach. Dana Point is a new private gated beach community where one-of-a-kind high-end homes are being built along the beautiful white sand Strand beach. This property is a design collaboration including Architecture by CJ Light Associates, construction by Andrew Williams and interior design by Kirsten Hermstad Williams.

It’s easy to be rendered speechless when entering this beachfront manse over the glass bridge spanning a blue mosaic pool. Through the front door one immediately sees the glass elevator and spiraling glass stairs. In addition to its five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the property also includes a library, office, wine room, gym, and theatre with leather seating.

The building materials used are a total visual and tactile treat: Rift oak and limestone flooring, 8-foot Alderwood doors, marble, quartz and cut geode slab counter tops and a "fire and black ice" fireplace. The chef’s kitchen features a lighted concetto stone ice quartz bar top. The master suite is an elegant getaway with its limestone fireplace, private oceanfront balcony, dual-fitted closets and an infinity-edge tub with a ceiling waterfall fill.

But who wants to stay inside when you’re on the cusp of the Pacific Ocean? The infinity-edge saline pool and spa are done in black Zimbabwe granite.

Malibu Beach, CA

Aficionados of superlative modernist architecture will be thrilled with the opportunity of owning Pierre Koenig’s last built project. Koenig’s LaFetra house, which he referred to as "a perfect jewel," perches just above Malibu Beach, surrounded by lush greenery. His signature walls of glass take full advantage of Pacific Ocean and mountain views from almost every angle.

Michael LaFetra became acquainted with Pierre Koenig after he bought one of Koenig’s famous Case Study Houses. Even before LaFetra had time to give his parents his new phone number, Koenig telephoned him to say that if he found anything out of order with the construction, he was to let him know and he would resolve it immediately.

A friendship developed between him and the Koenigs and after Pierre’s death in 2004, Michael and Gloria Koenig remained good friends. Pierre Koenig had almost finished the design for this house when he died, but the small amount to be completed was taken over by James Tyler, who Koenig wanted to take over for him. The design took 11 years.

A testament to Koenig’s signature design style, the home is constructed almost entirely from steel, glass and concrete. It has its own drawbridge entry and stairs descending to the beach at the rear. The 3-story-home runs on solar power and resides in a gated community on prime beachfront.

Osprey, FL

Casey Key is one of the most coveted spots for a beach home on the Gulf Coast of Florida. As a barrier island, it’s one of those rare places where owning a Gulf-to-Bay home is possible, affording beachfront and bayside boat dockage with two private docks. This compound of three homes comprises four large parcels: two beachfront and two bayfront, giving a new owner the best of all worlds. One lot is yet unused, making this property a good investment as well as a private playground.

Located just south of Sarasota, well-known for its appreciation of the arts, one will never run out of theatre, opera, symphony, art shows, art classes, diversified restaurants and grand shopping excursions.

The homes are perfect for bringing friends and family together, where guests can have privacy when desired but still gather poolside, at the beach or for a tennis tournament. (How about your own private White Party?) The homes could also be used as high-end rental properties giving many options to the new owner. The estate has 300 feet of private beach with oceanside sculpture garden and entertainment areas overlooking the Gulf.

Maui, HI

What could be more idyllic than living on a lovely private beachfront in Maui, famous for its shore breaks and overlooking Molokai? Living in this spectacular brand new contemporary house combined with the setting is almost too much to take in at one time. Architect Jeffrey Long outdid himself in giving this awe inspiring home many unique features in his masterful design.

Located in the exclusive gated community on Oneloa Bay, this home has 120-feet of pristine beachfront on a beach that can be enjoyed by surfers and beach goers alike. One of the great features of the community is the boardwalk path just above the sand, inviting strolls along the beach without tracking sand back into the home.

The home showcases the craftsmanship of the builder and ingenuity of its architect. The wow factor first comes in the two-story living area with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass that slide back into their own pockets, instantly opening the whole house to fresh, gentle sea breezes and dramatic views.

Other unusual features include Ipe wood flooring, an exceptional soaking tub in the master bathroom and Sapele glass doors and windows. The chef’s kitchen is filled with professional-style appliances. Three bedroom suites feature ocean front lanais as well as a guest suite with a separate entrance.

San Diego, CA

It’s the next best thing to being at the bow of a ship heading out to sea. This amazing three-story home with its glass-walled, bow-like front elevation has the ability to fully retract the curved windows and door, giving the home full exposure to the sea breezes and the Pacific.

Located on the strip of land between Mission Bay and the ocean, one couldn’t ask for a better location. Everything is at hand - board surfing, body surfing, beach activities, protected marinas, boat moorings, shopping, restaurants, not to mention being able to see the fabulous San Diego Zoo as many times as your heart desires.

The architectural attributes of this home are pure eye candy. From the top-of-the-line finishes, materials, size and views, this home is made to show off and entertain in elegant beachside style.

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